Economist Podcasts State swing: recognising Palestine
73 snips
Aug 1, 2025 
Edward Carr, Deputy Editor at The Economist, and Henry Kerr, Economics Editor, dive into the geopolitical nuances surrounding the recognition of Palestine by France, Britain, and Canada. They discuss the potential impacts of AI on economic growth and the job market, questioning whether it will enhance human lives or merely optimize current systems. The conversation also touches on the legacy of satirical songwriter Tom Lehrer, whose work critically reflected on political issues through humor. Their insights weave together themes of diplomacy, technology, and art.
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Recognition As Political Pressure
- The UK, France, and Canada aim to recognize Palestine to pressure Israel into peace efforts.
- This move tries to signal Israeli isolation but may not effectively change government behavior.
Time Recognition For Negotiations
- Recognition of Palestine should be timed to coincide with active negotiations for maximum leverage.
- Using it now risks losing diplomatic leverage and may alienate stakeholders.
Leverage U.S. Influence First
- Western countries should work through the United States and former President Donald Trump to influence Israel.
- Direct moves like recognition by other countries antagonize key actors and may reduce effectiveness.